Government Issues

T&I Committee unveils new website

U.S. Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) launched the committee’s new website in his ongoing effort to enhance communications and connect with colleagues and the American people about his initiatives, plans and goals for strengthening U.S. infrastructure.

Under Shuster’s leadership, the committee significantly expanded its use of social media and digital platforms to amplify its message that modern, efficient infrastructure — coupled with strong programmatic reform — provides a sound foundation for U.S. economic competitiveness, growth and prosperity.

The new website features a simple, user-friendly interface and continues the committee’s rebranding, incorporating the use of “transport” in an identifiable new logo and across media platforms.

Shuster has also grown T&I’s social media presence, including Facebook and Twitter, where he hosted a Twitter Townhall to answer questions about one of his major legislative priorities, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).

In addition, Shuster is increasing the use of video as a communications tool. He has narrated a whiteboard video aimed at illustrating the fundamental importance of WRRDA, regardless of a viewer’s level of familiarity with the issue. He also released a video about his experience with developmental driverless vehicle technology and plans to continue producing videos to support future legislative initiatives and key issues.

The committee is now utilizing YouTube to stream its hearings, meetings, and events, and producing infographics to help educate Members of Congress and the public about key legislation.

As lawmakers try to fund transportation beyond May 31, GROW AMERICA provides members of the House and Senate with the option of increasing investment in surface transportation by 45%, and supporting millions of jobs repairing and modernizing roads, bridges, railroads and transit systems in urban, suburban and rural communities.

The study found that lower-wage workers often endure the most brutal commutes, and the findings suggest a need for workplace policies that help to balance work and family life, in addition to better investment in our mass transit system.

The conference agenda is currently being developed by a team of industry experts and will cover five key areas: community outreach and education; enforcement; design, technology and infrastructure; intentional acts/deaths; and pedestrian safety.

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies, led a bipartisan letter to the THUD Subcommittee with 10 members of the Illinois House delegation urging full funding for mass transit and passenger rail in next year’s THUD budget.

The proposed cuts represent a 45% decrease in CTA state funding or a $130 million cut; a 60% decrease in Metra state funding or a $20.8 million cut; a 41% decrease in Pace state funding or a $10 million cut; and a 15% decrease in ADA paratransit state funding or $8.5 million cut.